ALBUM REVIEW: Bloom Season – Borders

BORDERS have been proudly flying the flag for British metalcore since they arrived on the scene with their Origin EP. More recently their debut full-length Purify made some serious waves in 2019 and the quartet are now announcing their triumphant return with Bloom Season which is available now via Arising Empire. What will this release bring to the table?

Fade To Black brings the party straight out of the gate; slick lyrics, punchy riffs and an addictive tempo get your head bopping along immediately. The stylistic shifts are silky smooth and get you excited for what is going to unfold next. The bursts of aggression certainly keep you on your toes. What a start!

Fix This keeps the hefty grime-induced hooks flowing. This is guaranteed mosh material which should come supplied with hazard tape. Suffer will have you bouncing from floor to ceiling with its alluring energy. From the pulsing beats to the snappy drum work, it’s fuelled by pure adrenaline. NWWM neatly transitions between a nostalgic hip-hop vibe and waves of raunchy riffing. The lyrical narrative is laced with raw, unfiltered venom.

I Get High deals with some deep subject matter which only makes the track more poignant and engaging. Flourishes of melody join forces with devilishly downtuned tones. Gaslight follows a similar path, introducing chilling atmospherics into the mix to great effect. A powerful, surging chorus adds an inviting dynamic. Godless brings the heavy; jabbing riffs have your brain rattling around your skull. Elijah Witt from CANE HILL adds his acidic vocal delivery to proceedings just to add another layer of chaos.

Cut The Rope brings the confident, boisterous tempo back to the forefront, leaving devastation in its wake. Sprinklings of grime stylings are dotted around the track amongst the frenetic pacing. MDM is ready to unleash hell from the first note. Caustic screams and impressive lead work leave their emphatic stamp on this track. Bloom Season is determined to leave you with a euphoric rush of exhilaration rushing through your veins. Vibrant gushes of melody grab hold of the chorus lines.

Bloom Season is a short, sweet package of dynamite ready to explode through your ear drums. Some albums can feel like they outstay their welcome but this is far from the case as BORDERS seem to have developed the perfect formula to leave you satisfied but eager to hit the replay button. The seamless blending of styles throughout is no easily achievable feat but this talented quartet have nailed it. The copious fields of metalcore artists have officially been put on notice.

Rating: 8/10

Bloom Season is out now via Arising Empire.

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